out is in
This docuseries highlights groundbreaking queer artists, exploring their lives beyond music, personal stories, influences, and the trailblazers who shaped them. A give-back segment showcases how they uplift their communities, while each episode ends with a powerful reflection on their cultural impact. This series celebrates talent, identity, and the transformative power of representation.
We invite you to partner with us in bringing these important stories to life.
Sizzle Reel
now is the time
We’re here, we’re queer, and we’re not going anywhere.
A recent Gallup poll reveals that nearly 1 in 10 American adults now identify as LGBTQ+, making a queer-focused television show not just relevant, but deeply resonant. Our goal is to create stories that bring people together, highlighting narratives that inspire and uplift. While queer individuals have always existed, today they are empowered to express themselves fully—both creatively and professionally. The world’s understanding of who belongs in the public sphere is evolving, but not without resistance. In the face of this socio-political pushback, queer people continue to thrive, offering hope, resilience, and perseverance. Music, as a universal equalizer, has long mirrored our shared humanity. It reflects the times and the essence of who we are. Queer musicians, in particular, are leading the way by embracing their authentic selves and sharing their truth through their art.
This docuseries will spotlight queer musicians, exploring how they navigate both their careers and personal lives as openly queer artists. Their passion is what gained them their success but the exposure that comes with that fame can be intense and sometimes dehumanizing. Our aim is to provide a platform for their stories where they get to be seen, highlighting how they use their success to uplift their communities. By showcasing their humanity in everyday moments, we hope to normalize their experiences and foster connections with broader audiences. Each artist not only shares their musical talents but also dedicates their time to charitable efforts. We will feature a community outreach project they are involved in, demonstrating the real-world impact of their contributions. Beyond the labels, the glitz, the glamour, is a human being who is trying to leave the world better than they found it. Every episode will conclude with a powerful message: being out means bringing your full, authentic self to your work and inspiring others to do the same. As music and culture evolve, queer musicians are reshaping narratives and representing diverse identities. By amplifying their voices, we aim to transform how we perceive ourselves and the world around us.
the story
giving back
Each of these musicians uses their platform to support causes they believe in and give back. Every episode will highlight these efforts, showcasing the impact of the organizations they support and how queer people contribute to their communities. These artists use their influence to create real change, and we’ll work with them to feature causes that matter to them. Instead of telling the audience, we’ll show how queer individuals are making a positive impact beyond their music.
on the shoulders of giants
We’ve come a long way since trailblazing artists like Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Big Mama Thornton, Ma Rainey, and later, Prince, Elton John, and the Indigo Girls, who challenged gender and sexuality norms. Imagine a world without these musicians boldly stepping out, sharing their talents, and paving the way for future generations to proudly live out their truth. Our show embraces this rich history, leaving space to honor the legacy that brought us here. As part of the documentary, we will feature someone who served as a musical inspiration to the artist growing up, recognizing how they broke the mold and created space for future generations. This segment will further emphasize the crucial role of representation and visibility in shaping our culture.
our access to talent
One of the most crucial elements of a documentary is the storyteller's access to the characters at the heart of that story. For a show like ours, the biggest challenge is gaining access to celebrity talent. To address this, we’ve assembled a team of experts who have direct relationships with several prominent figures in the industry. Our goal is to leverage our sizzle reel to attract both networks and major artists. With our Casting Director, Jade, who has extensive experience working with many of these artists, we’re confident that, with a strong network behind us, we can secure their participation.
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Ash Bernal
DIRECTOR/POST-PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR/EP
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Wade Yamaguchi
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY/EP
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Jade Ehlers
CREATIVE DIRECTOR/CASTING DIRECTOR/EP
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Jason Harper
STORY PRODUCER/EP
similar concepts
the approach
The production will feature interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and performances from each artist. To foster comfort and vulnerability, we’ll maintain a small, diverse crew and use a stripped-down camera setup for sensitive scenes. By spending time with artists in their homes and intimate spaces, we’ll capture honest interviews and vérité moments, highlighting how they navigate both their personal and public lives. We want to allow audiences to see the human behind the music and connect with their idols on a deeper level. This will offer the artists a chance to express how being queer has influenced their artistry and work. We want to know how their perspectives are giving hope to the future. The objective is to further promote the artists, engage their fanbase, and share the broader story of queer musical icons emerging onto the scene and using their power to change the world.
the look
the look
visual style
We’ll capture the duality of how artists are seen by fans and how they see themselves, collaborating with each artist to craft a look that suits their story—whether polished or gritty. The show will have an intimate, living room-style feel, with natural lighting and a handheld documentary approach that draws viewers into the artist’s world. Using wider lenses and vintage optics, we'll create rich, warm tones with soft focus and unique flares, reflecting each artist’s personality and flair. Celisse’s sizzle is an example how we craft each look to help better tell the artist’s story.
this is just the beginning
We believe this show has the potential to extend far beyond the music industry. Not only do we have a roster of incredibly talented queer musicians lined up, but there's also room to expand into seasons featuring queer athletes or actors. The possibilities are endless, and the growing support from diverse audiences—ranging from sports fans to film enthusiasts—only proves that being out is not just accepted, it's celebrated. These stories deserve to be amplified, and we're ready to elevate these voices in our culture.
Ash Bernal
“I’m a queer artist who grew up in rural America, relying on queer creators to understand myself during my formative years. Media has the power to connect us, and by normalizing queerness through representation, we can create a community where we all coexist and inspire one another. The featured characters in this show are dedicated to nurturing the queer cultures that they lacked in their youth, and I’m passionate about using my queer lens to amplify those stories and break down barriers for others pursuing their dreams.”
Wade Yamaguchi
“Growing up in a small, conservative town in Colorado as a half Japanese, half German kid, I know how important diverse representation is for young kids. I discovered my passion for music through guitar, eventually joining a punk band that defined my youth. After high school, I fell in love with visual storytelling and launched a vibrant career in film. Meeting friends in the music and film scenes opened my eyes, challenging my family's beliefs and inspiring me to document queer narratives to combat ongoing discrimination. My background shapes my storytelling, and I recognize my privilege as a straight, cisgender male, striving to be an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community. Inspired by queer artists, I hold hope that my children will grow up in a more loving and accepting world.”
